Soul Review
By Colin Udall
“Soul” is the latest Disney-Pixar collaboration movie to be released. Disney-Pixar films are often highly praised and fine-tuned. The movies are renowned specifically for themes that breach the barrier from children’s movies to films with adult themes. “Soul” specifically takes this further than Disney-Pixar previously had.
The movie “Soul” follows Joe Gardner (Jamie Foxx) and his trip with a lost soul known as 22 (Tina Fey) on an adventure as they both learn about what makes their soul. The movie particularly dwells on a souls “spark”, which is described as the one thing in a soul's life that brings them happiness. “Soul” breaks into more adult themes with the “spark” plot-point. Without revealing too much about the movie, it is hard to explain the importance of the “spark.” Joe does ultimately learn about his life in a greater aspect that transcends his spark.
Photo via wcbe.org
Further, the concepts of existentialism and absurdism are explored in very basic terms in this movie. Considering that those themes can be heavy, and Pixar’s choice to release an animated movie with those detailed themes embedded is an ambitious task. “Soul” does succeed and actually excel in this specific task. The one issue that the movie’s reception faces is the context of the movie. Disney-Pixar movies always have strict themes, but they have always been childrens movies, with fun adventures. “Soul” has an adventure, it has some seriously strong characterization, but the weight of the themes detracts from these points. It may be hard for a kid to follow along with the themes. I think a kid may have a hard time following the basic plot or enjoying themselves with this movie too. It begs the question: Is Disney-Pixar going to continue in this direction?
Photo via mickeyblog.com
Will Pixar Studios continue to create movies that focus less on a children target audience and more on a teen or even young adult audience? I certainly hope so, and I actively welcome the change. I think Pixar has shown time and time again their ability to craft films that intrigue the interest of young children and adults alike. There may have been possible Covid setbacks with the making of “Soul,” at which the story may have suffered. “Soul” is a solid movie for young adults and even teenagers.
Teenagers and young adults are at a stage in their lives at which they find themselves discovering important parts of who they are individually. “Soul” offers a solution to the dread some teenagers may feel at the seemingly hopeless void of life.